Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Keeping Calm at Spirit Rock


 Spirit Rock is a mindfulness meditation center in the Buddhist tradition, located off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in the San Geronimo Valley, Marin County, CA. The popular center offers a number of day-long classes as well as three-day and week-long and longer retreats - and it's one of the most peaceful places on the planet. I occasionally work in the kitchen which serves those who are attending the frequent retreats (always vegetarian, and incredibly creative).

 If the spiritual aspects of the place don't interest visitors, the setting, in gorgeous San Geronimo Valley, offers a number of accommodations off-site from Spirit Rock. And, there are the trails on site, which are open to all, with the exception of the upper part of the center near the retreat lodgings, which are held for those on retreat. The paths lace the golden California hills interspersed with pines and oaks, and in spring, wildflowers.
 To access the most commonly used trail, park in the first gravel lot off Sir Francis Drake, and walk behind the little parking booth - the entrance to the trail is on your left. Feel free to go up to the main building and ask any questions you may have about meditation, Buddhism and classes and retreats - and there's a great store there, too.